Valkyries Turn Reese’s ‘Too Small’ Taunt Back After Title Win

Golden State’s title-clinching win brought a pointed response to a gesture that had become a talking point in the series. As the Valkyries celebrated on the court, rookie forward Yaxel Lendeborg made the “too small” sign toward Atlanta’s bench, returning the taunt Angel Reese had directed at Golden State in Game 3.

Reese had made the gesture toward the Valkyries’ bench after Atlanta took a commanding lead late in Game 3. Golden State players also revived it after the championship: Aminata Gueye posted a photo referencing Reese’s gesture, while Tiffany Hayes made the sign during an Instagram Live from the locker-room celebration.

Reese had been among Atlanta’s leading performers for much of the Finals. In Game 2, she scored 30 points and grabbed 16 rebounds; in Game 3, she had 21 points and 12 rebounds. She finished Game 7 with 12 rebounds but was held to eight points.

Gabby Williams led Golden State in the deciding game with 30 points and three rebounds, and was named Finals MVP. The Valkyries won the series in seven games, claiming the franchise’s first WNBA championship.

Lendeborg, a Golden State Warriors rookie, was also photographed making the gesture during Game 7. He is scheduled to play at home against the Los Angeles Clippers on November 1.